Service Negotiation Research Articles

A Systems Approach to Understanding Occupational Therapy Service Negotiations in a Preschool Setting

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to use a systems approach to examine informal communications, meaning those occurring outside of scheduled meetings, among stakeholders in a preschool early intervention program. This investigation expands the discussion of how occupational therapy treatment decisions are made in educational settings by using a systems model to map and understand informal interactions and connections. Eighteen participants shared their experiences, roles, and perspectives regarding the occupational therapy service decision-making process through surveys, interviews, and field notes. Participants were parents, administrators, occupational therapists, teachers, and other related service providers, with three or four members in each participant group. Data was analyzed through the use of descriptive statistics, concept mapping, and coding for themes revealed in detailed interviews and field notes. While the small sample size and single practice setting do not permit generalization of findings, the data suggest that informal communications affecting therapy decisions occurred but were unevenly distributed among stakeholders. Findings suggest the value of utilizing a systems approach to better understand informal interactions that exist apart from scheduled school meetings. Increased awareness of where imbalances exist among team communications can potentially improve practice.

Service-oriented architecture for ontologies supporting multi-agent system negotiations in virtual enterprise

This paper offers a service-oriented architecture (SOA) for ontology-based multi-agent system (MAS) negotiations in the context of virtual enterprises (VEs). The objective of this paper is fourfold. First, it is to design a SOA which utilizes ontology and MAS to provide a distributed and interoperable environment for automated negotiations in VE. In this architecture, individual ontologies for both the VE initiator and its potential partners are constructed to describe and store resources and service knowledge. Second, a series of semantic ontology matching methods are developed to reach agents' interoperability during the negotiation process. Third, correspondence-based extended contract net protocol is presented, which provides basic guidelines for agents' reaching mutual understandings and service negotiation. Last, a fuzzy set theory based knowledge reuse approach is proposed to evaluate the current negotiation behaviors of the VE partners. A walkthrough example is presented to illustrate the methodologies and system architecture proposed in this paper.

End-to-end Quality of Service (QoS) negotiation between heterogeneous 4G wireless network operators

We are currently witnessing a growing interest of network operators to migrate their existing 2G/3G networks to 4G technologies such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) to enhance the user experience and service opportunities in terms of providing multi-megabit bandwidth, more efficient use of radio networks, latency reduction, and improved mobility. Along with this, there is a strong deployment of packet data networks such as those based on IEEE 802.11 and 802.16 standards. Mobile devices are having increased capabilities to access many of these wireless network types at the same time. Reinforcing Quality of Service (QoS) in 4G wireless networks will be a major challenge because of varying bit rates, channel characteristics, bandwidth allocation and global roaming support among heterogeneous wireless networks. As a mobile user moves across access networks, the issue of mapping resource reservations between different networks to maintain QoS behavior becomes crucial. To support global roaming and interoperability across heterogeneous wireless networks, it is important for wireless network operators to negotiate Service Level Agreement (SLA) contracts relevant to the QoS requirements. Wireless IP traffic modeling (in terms of providing assured QoS) is still immature because the majority of the existing work is merely based on the characterization of wireless IP traffic without investigating the behavior of queueing systems for such traffic. To overcome such limitations, we investigate SLA parameter negotiation among heterogeneous wireless network operators by focusing on traffic engineering and QoS together for 4G wireless networks. We present a novel mechanism that achieves service continuity through SLA parameter negotiation by using a translation matrix, which maps QoS parameters between different access networks. The SLA matrix composition is modeled analytically based on the G/M/1 queueing system. We evaluate the model using two different scheduling schemes and we derive closed form expressions for different QoS parameters for performance metrics such as packet delay and packet loss rate. We also develop a discrete-event simulator and conduct a series of simulation experiments in order to understand the QoS behavior of corresponding traffic classes.

Concluding the WTO services negotiations on domestic regulation – hopes and fears

AbstractThe negotiations under the aegis of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on the creation of rules on domestic regulations affecting trade in services have entered a critical stage. Within a general atmosphere of reflection and reluctance characterizing the Doha negotiations, this is the only front in recent years in which tangible progress is evident. This paper critically analyses the potential rules that Members currently appear to support and attempts to identify their shortcomings as well as those modifications or clarifications which are necessary to improve the impact and efficacy of the forthcoming rules (so-called ‘disciplines on domestic regulation’ in the parlance used in the General Agreement on Trade in Services – GATS). At the heart of the paper lies a thought-provoking proposal for a necessity test applicable across services sectors. Arguably, only a necessity test can allow for the elimination of unnecessary barriers to trade in services and regulatory arbitrariness.

Spaces of Encounter: Public Bureaucracy and the Making of Client Identities

Abstract In this article I analyze the intertwining of cultural narratives, identity stereotypes, and the material environment as these factors shape public service negotiations between clients and officials. I emphasize the material deficits, spatial barriers, and bureaucratic procedures that restrict the storylines clients and officials use to make sense of one another. This article is drawn from a two‐year ethnographic study with African American young mothers (ages 16–20) under the custody of the child welfare system. I focus here on the experiences of one young mother and explore several scenarios in her struggle to obtain public housing. I argue that service deficits can be explained not by the commonly articulated narratives of client “shortcomings” but, rather, by the nature of the organizational and material conditions guiding exchanges between public service gatekeepers and young mothers. I suggest that this work advances narrative approaches to psychological anthropology by attending to the roles of social and material boundaries in framing the stories people can tell each other. [identity, adolescent mothers, public bureaucracy, service negotiation, narrative]

Combining Ontology with Intelligent Agent to Provide Negotiation Service

Agent and Ontology are distinct technologies that arose independent of each other, having their own standards and specifications. The semantics web is one of the popular research areas these days, and is based on the current Web, which adds more semantics to it for the purpose of building the Ontology of Web content. In this regard, application program on Web can make the purpose of cross-platform calculation come true by taking advantage of Ontology. However, agent is a theory able to enhance abstraction of software itself, and as it is know, negotiation protocol is the basic principle in the electronic commerce which has a direct impact on the efficiency of the negotiation. This study examines the communication architecture with negotiation protocol on the Semantic Web. Precisely speaking, agents make computing with Ontology, and the authors define an agent’s communication ontology for this communication framework and semantic web use Ontology to describe the negotiation protocol. In this context, the buyer or seller will be able to improve semantic cognitive in process of negotiation. Also, it can provide an intelligent platform for the information exchange on the same understanding about the content of communication in the electronic negotiation service.

Grid and Cloud Computing and their Application

Grid and Cloud Computing and their Application

A similarity measure for the negotiation in web services

This paper presents a new negotiation approach integrating a similarity-based metric to measure the client's satisfaction level by quantifying the correspondence between the features required by the client and the ones proposed by the service. This negotiation process is integrated within an adaptation platform for multimedia presentations supporting different types of terminals. The negotiation and adaptation processes are based on the management of user's and service's profiles. We also propose an extension of the SIP protocol to ensure the communication between the client and the server by defining new functionalities.

An analysis of knowledge outsourcing at Eduware

PurposeThis paper introduces the notion of knowledge outsourcing (KO) where external knowledge providers (KP), rather than internal experts, are contracted to provide knowledge services. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of KO in knowledge management (KM) and the circumstances under which KO is most likely to be successful.Design/methodology/approachUsing the case study approach, the fieldwork is done at Eduware, an organization that develops and markets e‐learning courseware. Apart from conducting semi‐structured interviews with diverse stakeholders in the organization, archival data from Eduware are collected for triangulation purposes.FindingsOn the basis of the case data, two distinct types of KO relationships have been identified in Eduware. Furthermore, the risks of KO included both product‐related and process‐related ones. Three conditions under which KO are most likely to be successful were: first, a lack of in‐house expertise; second, the availability of suitable external KP; and finally, a favourable business case.Research limitations/implicationsA general process model of KO comprising the following steps is proposed: knowledge needs identification; knowledge sourcing; knowledge services negotiation; knowledge delivery; knowledge services monitoring; and knowledge utilization.Originality/valueThe dawning of a fast‐growing knowledge services industry raises new opportunities for organizations to support their KM initiatives through KO. Hitherto, there have been few works that examine the role of KO. This paper therefore serves to fill this research gap.

Concluding the WTO Services Negotiations on Domestic Regulation – Walk Unafraid

The negotiations under the aegis of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on the creation of rules governing domestic regulations which affect trade in services have entered a critical stage. Within a general atmosphere of reflection and reluctance characterizing the Doha negotiations, this is the only front in the recent years where real progress is evidenced. This Note critically analyzes the current rules that Members appear to support and attempts to identify their shortcomings as well as those modifications or clarifications which are necessary to improve the impact and efficacy of the forthcoming rules (so-called ‘disciplines on domestic regulation’ in the GATS parlance). Being the area where the most important barriers to trade in services are located, domestic regulations can only be harnessed through transparent and good-governance rules enhancing service suppliers’ procedural rights when they seek access to a given market and increasing their participation to domestic decision-making. At the heart of the Note lies a thought-provoking proposal for a necessity test applicable across services sectors. Arguably, only a necessity test can allow for the elimination of unnecessary barriers to trade in services through domestic regulations.

Aviation Policy in the Philippines and the Impact of the Proposed Southeast Asian Single Aviation Market

This article analyses the challenges facing the liberalization of international civil aviation in the Republic of the Philippines. In particular, it assesses the political dynamics surrounding the Philippines’ bilateral and multilateral air services negotiations and the government’s attempts to balance industry relaxations with national carriers’ interests. The government’s desire to liberalize foreign carriers’ access into an alternative airport near the capital is discussed, together with the resistance to such a move. The contextual implications of an impending single aviation market (SAM) arrangement in the southeast Asian region are also raised, especially in relation to market access, ownership and control, and external relations issues.

MFN Exemptions Under the General Agreement on Trade in Services: Grandfathers Striving for Immortality?

WTO Members have more leeway under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) to elude the WTO's basic most favoured nation (MFN) obligation than in merchandise trade under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. In particular, under the Annex on Article II Exemptions, each Member had the one-off opportunity--at the GATS' entry into force in 1995 or, if later, the date of WTO accession--to seek cover for the retention of whatever departures from MFN treatment. Such MFN exemptions are subject to relatively soft disciplines only. The relevant Annex provides that their duration should not exceed 10 years in principle, and that they be subject to negotiation in any subsequent trade round. In addition, the GATS allows for departures from MFN treatment, which are not subject to time constraints, including for Economic Integration Agreements and recognition measures related to standards, certificates and the like. Over 90 WTO Members (counting EC12 as one) have listed MFN exemptions for close to 500 measures in total. This article discusses their role within the structure of the GATS as well as governments' underlying policy intentions: grandfathering clause or active/offensive policy tool? It further traces the sectoral and modal patterns of current exemptions, their use by different groups of Members and the--limited--changes offered in the services negotiations to date. The authors submit that the non-availability of new exemptions, including for measures that had escaped Members' attention at the relevant point in time, could have added to the popularity of potential substitutes (including in the context of Economic Integration Agreements), promoted an excessively broad interpretation of existing exemptions and discouraged governments from rescinding those that had served their initial purpose. A more flexible approach might thus be warranted; possible options are being discussed. Oxford University Press 2009, all rights reserved, Oxford University Press.

Services Liberalization from a WTO/GATs Perspective: In Search of Volunteers

Most existing commitments are confined to guaranteeing the levels of access that existed in the mid-1990s, when the Agreement entered into force, in a limited number of sectors. The only significant exceptions are the accession schedules of recent WTO Members and the negotiating results in two sectors (financial services and, in particular, basic telecommunications) that were achieved after the Uruguay Round. The offers tabled so far in the ongoing Round would not add a lot of substance either. Apparently, negotiators are ‘caught between a rock and a hard place’. For one thing, the traditional mercantilist paradigm, relying on reciprocal exchanges of concessions, seems to be provide less momentum than in the goods area. For another, there are additional - technical, economic and political - frictions that tend to render services negotiations more complicated, time-consuming and resource-intensive. The novelty of the Agreement adds an additional element of legal uncertainty from a negotiator’s perspective. This paper discusses various options that might help to overcome the ensuing reticence to engage. Few appear within reach at present, however. The bare minimum that would need to be achieved is to revive work on scheduling and classification issues with a view to putting both existing commitments and new offers on a safer footing, and to improve compliance with long-existing information/notification obligations.

Modeling Trust Negotiation for Web Services

As Web services become more widely adopted, developers must cope with the complexity of evolving trust negotiation policies spanning numerous autonomous services. The Trust-Serv framework uses a state-machine-based modeling approach that supports life-cycle policy management and automated enforcement.

Services as Key for the Conclusion of the Doha Round

This article aims to stress the importance of services negotiations for the conclusion of the Doha Round. It is argued in the article that trade in services is of high importance for the economies of both developed and developing countries, and that there remains substantial scope for many World Trade Organization (WTO) countries to make further commitments towards greater liberalization within the services sectors and within all modes of supply provided in the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). After an explanation of the notion of trade in services, the article analyzes the GATS, the progressive liberalization of trade in services in the framework of the Doha Round, the request/offer method of negotiations in services trade viewed from the perspective of the European Communities, and the July 2008 WTO Mini-Ministerial Conference in relation to services.

The Global Implementation of Basel II: Prospects and Outstanding Problems

Basel II may lead to far-reaching changes in the regulation and supervision of banks, risk management, and other aspects of banking practice; these changes may well be considered as one of the most important elements of the global financial system. This paper reviews prospects for the implementation of Basel II, risks due to the changes involved, and features which may affect international trade in banking services. The discussion on prospects summarizes data in a survey conducted by the Basel-based Financial Stability Institute (FSI) of supervisors in countries, which do not belong to the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS). More than 90 countries participating in this survey have decided that they will implement Basel II, although the challenge to supervisors will be great as nearly a quarter of them to upgrade their skills. The discussion also covers other less systematic information, related to the implementation in member, as well as non-member countries of the BCBS, such as surveys of banks in developed countries and the impact of Basel II on capital requirements in the EU. Additional problems for implementation may result from disagreements between supervisory authorities in different countries as to the way in which Basel II should be implemented for banks with cross-border operations. Basel II may prove a source of macroeconomic risks in many emerging-market countries owing to changes following its adoption in lender-borrower relations and in the way in which banks are supervised. Basel II incorporates the fundamental assumption that the relationship between a bank and its counter-parties is conducted at arms-length. A different model of borrower-lender relations in many emerging-market countries, especially in parts of Asia, has involved practices such as policy or directed lending, relationship or name lending and collateral-based lending. In this model, loans are made on the basis of criteria different from those underlying Basel II and often resemble equity investments. Too rapid a change to the new model of banking practice of Basel II could undermine an economy's credit mechanism and could have adverse knock-on macroeconomic consequences. Basel II coincides with the financial services negotiations, which form part of the WTO Doha round. The paper reviews somewhat inconclusive evidence on the relation between foreign banks' presence in selected emerging-market countries and prospects for implementation. Nevertheless, Basel II's effects on banks' costs via its rules for both overall regulatory capital and different categories of exposure will be a significant influence on the economic opportunities of foreign banks, and are thus likely to influence negotiating positions in the WTO.

Compulsion, Craft, or Commodity? Education Services Trade in the Larger Context

The role of education in fostering economic growth and social development is universally recognized. Although history places the provision of education firmly within national control, countries increasingly search outside national borders for alternative distribution frameworks. Tellingly, the World Trade Organization recently included education as service trade sector in the General Agreement for Trade in Services (GATS) negotiations. Such activity increases debate about control as countries struggle to create policies that balance nationalism with economic responsiveness. This study employed multivariate data to question whether trade openness in 162 countries was associated with openness to trade in education, and whether countries' commitments to lower barriers to education trade paralleled the strength of their commitments to lower barriers to all trade. Among the findings were the following: (a) On average, countries with education commitments experienced slightly higher levels of general trade openness than those without education commitments; (b) in lower-middle-income countries, education trade openness and general trade openness were positively related; and (c) when controlling for education, population, geography, and income, lower levels of education trade barriers were the single best predictor of countries' having made education commitments under GATS. A model for systemic improvement in education trade policymaking is also presented.

QoS management in mobile IP networks using a terminal assistant

AbstractThis paper describes a signalling environment for Quality of Service (QoS) negotiation and advance resource reservation in mobile IP networks. This environment is built in conformance with the generic signalling environment, which is standardized by the NSIS IETF working group. The advanced resource reservation protocol, called MQoS NSLP, is based on the QoS NSLP signalling application. It provides to mobile terminals the QoS required based on the user's mobility and QoS profile. In this work, we investigate the use of some techniques of the AI (Artificial Intelligence) domain to implement a user interface called NIA (Negotiation Individual Assistant) in order to determine the QoS profile and negotiate the QoS parameters in the new domain after the handover. Therefore, we use connectionist learning in the management of the negotiation profiles and agent technology to help the user choose the best service provider, dynamically negotiate the QoS on the user's behalf, and follow the user's behaviour to be able to anticipate the negotiation and manage renegotiation. The advance resource reservation is based on an object MSpec (Mobility Specification) which determines the future location of the mobile terminal. The MSpec object is a part of the mobility and QoS profile and is determined by the NIA in the mobile terminal. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The WTO – a driving force for the liberalisation of public services in the EU?

Liberalisation of public services can be implemented not only through autonomous legislative action by individual countries, but also as a consequence of obligations arising from membership of supranational or international organisations. This article analyses how the process of the commodification of services at the level of the WTO, i.e. via the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), interacts with the politics of trade and services liberalisation in the European Union. Thus, we highlight the specific role of services negotiations in the WTO for the political dynamics of liberalising public services in the EU. Our conclusions highlight three specific functions of the GATS agreement: first, it serves as an institutional mechanism to ‘lock-in’ liberalisations achieved at a national or European level, secondly, it exercises a disciplinary effect on national regulation, and, thirdly, it provides an additional platform for the application of forum-shifting in the politics of international trade.

WTO Negotiation in Financial Services: Standing Offers Disappoint

This article reviews the goals of the current financial services negotiations as articulated by participants and academics. The article then presents the estimated price effects of non-tariff impediments to trade in banking services. Price effects, expressed in this article as tariff equivalents (TEs), are estimated for banking commitments bound in the WTO’s Financial Services Agreement and for negotiating offers tabled as of May 2005. Comparison of these TEs suggests that progress to date has been limited. Though several countries have tabled genuinely market-liberalizing offers, many more have tabled offers that suggest little or no market opening. Major goals of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) in regard to banking remain unfulfilled, often at significant cost to the countries preserving trade restrictions.